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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Published on: June 20, 2020

Development of a language-independent functional evaluation.

Andrew J Haig¹, Senthil Jayarajan, Eric Maslowski

¹Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. andyhaig@umich.edu

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

|December 9, 2009

Summary

A new tool, the Language-Independent Functional Evaluation (L.I.F.E.), was developed to assess physical functioning without language or literacy barriers. This evaluation shows promise for global use in diverse populations.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Measuring the Functional Abilities of Children Aged 3-6 Years Old with Observational Methods and Computer Tools

Published on: June 20, 2020

Area of Science:

Rehabilitation Medicine
Health Informatics
Global Health

Background:

Assessing physical functioning is crucial for patient care and research.
Existing functional assessments often rely on language and literacy, limiting their use in diverse global populations.
A need exists for a universally applicable functional assessment tool.

Purpose of the Study:

To design, validate, and refine a language- and literacy-independent tool for self-reporting physical functioning.
To develop a software-based evaluation that overcomes linguistic and literacy barriers.

Main Methods:

Software development of a Preliminary Language-Independent Functional Evaluation (Pre-L.I.F.E.).
Prospective trials in the United States and Africa involving patient surveys with printed and computer-animated Pre-L.I.F.E., compared against the Barthel Index.
Iterative software redesign based on trial outcomes and qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

The Pre-L.I.F.E. demonstrated good to excellent reliability in both American and African participants.
The computer-animated version was faster and more reliable than the printed version.
The refined L.I.F.E. tool was developed, addressing initial challenges and showing potential for cross-cultural application.

Conclusions:

Language and literacy barriers can be overcome in functional assessments.
The developed L.I.F.E. tool offers a practical solution for assessing physical function across diverse global populations.
This approach supports more equitable and accessible healthcare evaluations worldwide.